What’s actually included in a $750k house and land package? An insight from Simonds Homes

For first-home buyers, the idea of building a brand-new home can be exciting, but understanding exactly what comes with the advertised price is often another story. From site costs and standard inclusions to government grants and financing, there’s plenty to consider before committing.

In our latest video, Simonds Homes New Home Specialists Vlad and Maurice unpack what buyers should know about a $750,000 house and land package, and how to approach the process with greater confidence.

For many Australians, saving for a deposit is one of the biggest milestones on the path to homeownership. The next challenge is understanding what that money can actually deliver.

According to the Simonds team, a house and land package can make that process more straightforward by pairing a suitable home design with a block of land from the outset.

Rather than purchasing land and then searching for a compatible floorplan, buyers can explore packages where the home and land have already been considered together.

“A house and land package is designed to pull the block and the home design together to make sure they fit,” the Simonds team explains in the video.

This allows buyers to focus on finding a home that suits their lifestyle, preferred location and budget, without having to navigate every decision independently.

So, what does the advertised price actually include?

One of the most important distinctions for buyers is the difference between the advertised package price and the potential cost of upgrades or additional requirements.

Simonds explains that its ready-to-go house and land packages bring together the land, home design and the inclusions specified for that particular package. These also incorporate fixed-price site costs, along with relevant developer and council requirements.

Inside the home, the inclusions extend to several key finishes and everyday essentials, including floor coverings throughout, a 20mm Caesarstone kitchen benchtop, a stainless steel cooktop and oven, and ducted heating.

These details matter when comparing packages across different builders. Two homes advertised at a similar price may offer different levels of finishes, fittings and included works.

The Simonds team encourages buyers to understand exactly what is included before making a decision, particularly where optional upgrades could affect the final cost.

Understanding the value of a fixed-price contract

Beyond the finishes and fixtures, one of the biggest considerations when building a home is managing the budget.

Unexpected costs can be a major concern, especially for buyers working within a carefully planned borrowing limit.

Simonds addresses this through fixed-price contracts, which establish the agreed cost of the home and its specified inclusions upfront.

As the team explains, the aim is to give buyers clarity around what’s covered, any applicable conditions, and which extras or upgrades may involve additional spending.

While a fixed-price contract can provide greater certainty, buyers should still review its scope and conditions carefully to understand any circumstances that could change their overall costs.

Government grants and potential savings worth exploring

The video also highlights opportunities to reduce some of the upfront costs associated with purchasing a new home.

For eligible buyers, first-home buyer grants and stamp duty concessions may provide financial assistance, depending on the property’s location, purchase price and individual circumstances.

Stamp duty can also be an important consideration when comparing established homes with new builds. Where vacant land is purchased or a separate building arrangement is entered into, duty is generally assessed on the land value rather than the completed home’s value, subject to the relevant state rules and transaction structure.

To help buyers navigate the financial side of building, Simonds has partnered with Loan Gallery, a mortgage and finance specialist that can assist with exploring construction loans and potentially applicable government schemes.

For buyers still determining their borrowing capacity, understanding these options early can help establish a more realistic budget before choosing a house and land package.

Building with an established Australian home builder

Choosing a builder is about more than comparing floorplans and finishes. The company’s experience and ongoing support can also influence the decision.

Simonds Homes has been building Australian homes since 1949 and offers a Lifetime Structural Guarantee, subject to its terms and conditions.

For those entering the property market for the first time, the team emphasises that extensive building knowledge isn’t a prerequisite for beginning the conversation.

Vlad and Maurice encourage prospective buyers to visit the Simonds display home in Sunbury, where they can explore available house and land options, discuss inclusions and gain a clearer understanding of the steps involved.

Ultimately, a $750,000 house and land package is about more than the advertised figure. Knowing exactly what’s included, what could cost extra and what financial assistance may be available can help buyers make a more informed decision.

Watch the full video above to hear Vlad and Maurice explain the inclusions, fixed-price contracts and financial considerations first-home buyers should understand before building with Simonds Homes.